Over 70 competitors took part in the East of Scotland Brass Band Association's (ESBBA) annual solo and ensemble contest on 7th November in Port Seton Community Centre. The entry was the biggest and widest spread across all of the contest age groups seen over the past few years.
Adjudicator Les Neish, principal tuba of Foden's Band spoke highly of the competitors playing standards and the way they presented themselves. Les performed a 20 minute 'mini masterclass' in the early afternoon to a packed hall, and took questions from the floor. ESBBA were delighted to see a good representation of senior soloists competing for the Robert Gray trophy - the largest senior entry for some years now.
Official accompanist Alan Hastie played dutifully all day and once again many thanks to him for his time and support. The prize-winners were:
Junior Ensembles:
Champions: Williamston Primary School quintet
Runners-up: Bellsquarry Primary School P7 quintet
2nd runners-up: Bellsquarry Primary School P6 quartet
Junior Solists:
Champion: Lois Kirk, St Ninian's Primary School
Runner-up: Leighton Griffin, Loanhead Brass Roots
2nd runner-up: John Brown, Loanhead Brass Rootlets
Intermediate Ensembles:
Champions: James Young High School quintet
Runners-up: St. Margaret’s Academy
2nd runners-up: Unison Kinneil
Intermediate soloists:
Champion: Lloyd Griffin, Loanhead Brass Roots
Runner-up: Iain Mundy, MacTaggart Scott Loanhead Band
2nd runner-up: Emily Lydon, St Margaret's Academy
Youth Ensembles:
Champions: Broxburn & Livingston
Youth soloists:
Champion: Susannah Downs, St Kentigern's Academy
Runner-up: Hayley Edmond, Whitburn Band
2nd runner-up: Michael Fleming, Whitburn Band
Senior Ensembles:
Champions: Edinburgh University Brass Band quartet
Runners-up: Edinburgh University Brass Band quintet
2nd runners-up: Broxburn & Livingston
Senior soloists:
Champion: Stuart Gorringe, Broxburn & Livingston
Runner-up: Mark Bell, Broxburn & Livingston
2nd runner-up: Charles Farren, Co-operative Funeralcare